SEPANG, July 29 — Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is working to find a fair solution for event organisers affected by preparations for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, which will be held from October 2 to 4.
SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said discussions are underway with existing clients who had booked the circuit before Malaysia was announced as the replacement host for the race.
He said SIC would strive to minimise the circuit's closure period before the race to reduce disruption to its scheduled events calendar.
So far, two events are expected to be affected — the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and the Thailand Super Series (TSS).
"We are discussing with our existing clients whether to reschedule their events or explore other options. It is not an easy matter because it affects the entire racing calendar.
"I contacted them before the announcement was made on Sunday, and we are trying to find the best possible solution," he told reporters recently.
Azhan said SIC normally closes the circuit about 10 days before the Malaysian MotoGP, but for Formula 1, the closure is expected to last about two weeks, or slightly longer, to allow preparations to be completed in accordance with the required specifications.
He said many tasks that would normally be carried out over a year now have to be completed within about two months.
If the circuit closure can be limited to around two weeks, the ARRC can still proceed as scheduled. However, further discussions will be needed if Formula 1 preparations require a longer closure.
"We will do our best to shorten the circuit closure period," he said.
Last Sunday, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the replacement host of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix following an agreement signed between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
The event, scheduled to be held at SIC, will retain its original name, the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, subject to the finalisation of agreements and official approvals, including from the World Motor Sport Council.
The agreement allows the Bahrain Grand Prix to remain on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar after the race was cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the Formula 1 calendar.
